For the past four years, senior valedictorian Arjun Ram has worked hard to engage in school and sustain a high GPA. Despite the pressure of balancing one of the most rigorous schedules at school, he found ways to stay motivated and ease stress.

Throughout high school, Ram pushed himself academically, completing 16 AP courses. Beyond the classroom, he served as vice president of the National Spanish Honor Society, secretary of Spanish Club and a member of both Rho Kappa and NHS this year. He also founded and serves as president of the History of Economics Club.

“In high school, curiosity drove me,” Ram said. “I always wanted to understand more and think deeper. Supportive teachers such as Ms. Aguilar and Señora Campos challenged me to go beyond expectations and continue growing.”

Ram recalls one of his proudest achievements as his success at the Pan American Student Forum competitions during his junior year. Pan American Student Forum is a convention that takes place in March in San Antonio for the purpose of embracing Latin culture with high school students from all over Texas. Ram attended the convention during his junior and senior year with some fellow classmates. Every student who attends the convention completes Spanish contests, such as reading, writing or vocabulary, competing against hundreds of other students.

“I would say my biggest academic accomplishment was winning first place in all three PASF competitions during my junior year,” Ram said. “Additionally, I won first place in writing again the following year.”

While academics and competition played a large role in his high school experience, Ram said one volunteer event changed the way he viewed leadership and success.

“Volunteering at an International Women’s Day event was a defining moment for me,” Ram said. “Hearing CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors and founders speak so humbly changed how I view leadership. It showed me that leadership is not about titles but about inspiring and motivating others to believe in themselves and succeed.”

Ram believed connecting with his family helped him manage stress and remain grounded throughout high school. Balancing academics, leadership positions and extracurricular activities was often challenging, but small moments at home made the difficult days easier.

“My biggest supporters were my mom and dad, who always helped me through difficult times; my brother, who constantly motivated and inspired me to be as smart as him; and my cat, Fluffy,” Ram said. “Whenever I felt stressed or anxious, seeing [Fluffy] rush to greet me as I walked through the front door instantly made me feel better.”

Next year, Ram plans to attend The University of Texas at Austin to study Data Science. He said he chose UT over University of California, Los Angeles because the program aligned more closely with his interests while also allowing him to stay close to home and remain connected to family and friends. As graduation approaches, Ram said the biggest lesson he learned in high school is to appreciate the present instead of rushing toward the future.

“To underclassmen, I would say: let time pass naturally,” Ram said. “No matter how badly you think you want to grow up and move quickly through the world, you will blink once and wake up as a senior about to graduate. Make sure to enjoy your high school experience no matter what.”